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HERO'S BURIAL. Members of the Marcos family pay their final respects to the family patriarch at the Libingan ng mga Bayani on November 18, 2016. Photo from Marcos Presidential Center

MANILA, Philippines – The family of the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos on Friday, November 18, thanked supporters led by President Rodrigo Duterte for "standing by" the former president's right to be buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.

Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos, speaking for the family, delivered a short statement in Filipino at a news conference over an hour after the funeral rites, which were kept secret from the public until late Friday morning, when media learned of the ongoing ceremony. (WATCH: Marcos burial captured in 'same-day edit' video)

(Finally, the final wish of my father, our president Ferdinand Edralin Marcos, was realized on this day: that he be buried along with his fellow soldiers. My family whole-heartedly thanks all of you who stood by his right to be buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.)

(First of all, to President Duterte who raised this to the Supreme Court that sided with this decision, and the thousands who love and care for our family. With you, we dreamed and prayed for almost 3 decades to see this day.)

Duterte allowed a hero's burial for Marcos – a campaign promise to the family who supported his presidential bid – which was questioned before the Supreme Court. The High Court ruled in favor of the burial on November 8.

Apology to supporters

The governor apologized and asked for understanding from their supporters who wanted to attend the ceremony, which the family decided to keep "simple, private, and solemn" in deference to groups opposed to the move. (READ: Marcos family arranged for a private burial)

(I seek your indulgence and understanding for the decision of our family to make our father's burial simple, private, and solemn to spare those who are still hurting. We feel your deep desire to send our father to his final resting place.)

The governor did not take questions after she delivered the statement.

Groups and personalities opposed to a hero's burial for Marcos had slammed the "deceitful" burial, which was reportedly finalized only on Thursday night. Marcos supporters celebrated the event while anti-Marcos groups mobilized protests across the country.

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Welcome to Rappler, a social news network where stories inspire community engagement and digitally fuelled actions for social change. Rappler comes from the root words "rap" (to discuss) + "ripple" (to make waves).